State Representative Steve Hambley (R-Brunswick) today voted in favor of House Bill 46, legislation that greatly improves government transparency by making it easier for Ohioans to search state government spending during each fiscal year.

House Bill 46 requires the Treasurer of State to establish and maintain the Ohio State Government Database on the Treasurer’s website. Ohio residents would be able to use the database at no charge to track and monitor the state’s expenditures.

“As a former Professor teaching American History and Government classes, I have often emphasized the fundamental role that transparency plays in maintaining citizen control over government actions. An informed electorate can effectively hold government officials accountable,” commented Representative Hambley. “This legislation will guarantee citizens the tools needed to oversee the spending of their state officials with an unprecedented level of detail. I urge the Ohio Senate to quickly adopt this measure and ensure the continued transparency of state government spending that our citizens deserve.”

In December 2014, current State Treasurer Josh Mandel unveiled a similar database known as OhioCheckbook.com, which provides the public access to how state tax dollars are being spent. However, under existing law, the online database could be taken down by a future treasurer. House Bill 46 would permanently implement that service into statute, and thereby ensure that future state treasurer’s would maintain that resource, regardless of political affiliation.

The bill specifies that the website:

Include certain information with specific search and filter options

Provide charts and graphs to be created by the Treasurer’s Office

Allow public comment on the database’s functionality and utility

Not include confidential information or information that is not recognized under state law as a public record